Peak Oil - Oil Depletion

Peak Oil is often assumed to mean the end of oil. It doesn't. It means we have used up 50% or better of available, easy to reach, inexpensive oil. Anything else we obtain will be more difficult, and thus more costly. If we wish to avoid fuel shortages, both in transportation and industry, we need to start now and put policies and actions in place to mitigate the impact. To the extent that local communities are aware of the issue, and addressing it, they are. Here is a primer on oil depletion including a cornucopian outcome alongside one that is not nearly so rosy, althought it does not predict the end of the world as we know it.

As a side note; some readers may recall the September news about the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) well known as Jack. If you thought Jack was going to be online soon, think again. Bloomberg News is reporting that the drilling rig has moved on to new assignments. If you read the article, it points out the economic realities of oil drilling, especially in deep water. This is one example of oil that will become more expensive as time goes by. Imagine doing this on the Continental shelf or the polar regions.

And still I read about the expectations that new businesses will automatically include sufficient parking for prospective customers. Auto congestion does nothing for the quality of life. If that's what I wanted I'd have found a way to buy a condo in the Gold Coast. Given what may be facing us in 20 years, I suspect any new parking garages will be barely paid for in that time, and will also be pretty worthless as garages.

As we work the issues of development in Rogers Park we need to take a much longer view and employ a longer timeline. I'd suggest we adopt the patience and determination of the mainland Chinese. The DOD has reported in Government Computer News that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a 50 year window for achieving their goals. They are busily trying to hack sensitive military networks, and are in no particular rush to the finish line. They simply want to get to it, and will do whatever it takes to get there and take as long as needed.

I think we need to be as patient in bringing sustainable development to Rogers Park that recognizes the need for improved public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and an ongoing de-emphasis on accommodating automobiles. It will take a long time to get us there, but get there we must. Hopefully before fuel shortages kick in. We can be visionaries, or simply travel the same path as everyone else, and face the music later.